Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Dr Arthur Kennedy, has advocated for the formal codification of the code of conduct for government appointees, stressing the need to embed it in law to ensure transparency and accountability in public service.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Inside Pages on May 10, 2025, Dr Kennedy emphasised that a legally grounded code of conduct would remove ambiguities surrounding the behavior and responsibilities of appointees, ensuring uniform standards across all levels of government.
“There ought to be clarity so that there will be no ambiguity. Without legal backing, ethical standards risk being inconsistently applied, subject to political interpretation, and open to abuse by those in positions of power,” he indicated.
He explained that situating the code within a legal framework would empower oversight institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and Parliament to enforce standards.
“It should not just be a moral appeal. There must be consequences for breaches. The code within a legal framework would empower oversight institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and Parliament to enforce standards more effectively,” he noted.
According to Dr Kennedy, a clear, enforceable code would enhance public trust in the government and set the tone for integrity across ministries, departments, and agencies.
He added that such a measure could also insulate public servants from political pressures by providing legally defined limits to their conducts.
Dr Kennedy, who has long advocated for good governance reforms, stressed that political leaders must prioritise ethics and accountability over partisan interests.
“If we want to build a serious country, then we must take standards seriously. Not just for others, but for ourselves too,” he said.
Dr Kennedy urged Parliament and civil society to support legislation that would institutionalise the code of conduct, calling it a ‘foundational step’ toward strengthening democratic governance and upholding the public interest.
MRA/AE
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